'One party is receiving extensive promotion and protection'

Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh has alleged that the level playing field for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election is being severely undermined, citing violations of the electoral code of conduct and unequal campaign facilities.

Jamaat Nayeb-e-Ameer Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher made the remarks after a five-member Jamaat delegation met with Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin at Nirbachan Bhaban, Agargaon.

Taher claimed Jamaat candidates faced discrimination during the scrutiny of nomination papers and demanded the removal of deputy commissioners (DCs) and superintendents of police (SPs) appointed on partisan grounds.

"In cases involving dual citizenship, nominations have been accepted in some places, while in similar cases they have been rejected elsewhere," he said.

Taher noted that BNP candidates such as Abdul Awal Mintoo (Feni) and Abdul Malek (Sylhet) had their nominations accepted despite dual citizenship, while the nomination of Jamaat's Mahbub Salehin (Kurigram) was rejected.

"In such incidents, there are two different decisions in the same country, two different interpretations of the same law," Taher said.

On the issue of campaign fairness, Taher alleged that one party is receiving extensive promotion and protection, while others are denied equal treatment.

He criticised a certain party's distribution of VGF cards, agriculture cards, and family cards, calling these blatant violations of the electoral code of conduct.

Jamaat demanded installation of CCTV cameras at polling centres, and the EC assured them that cameras would be installed in at least 90 percent of the centres.

Calling for equal treatment of all political parties, Taher said, "If the upcoming election is held in this kind of arranged manner, Bangladesh will face an existential crisis and the country will move towards an even more dangerous situation."

He added that one party is already in exile for similar actions, and cautioned that another could face the same fate.

"What the government has done in recent days in the name of protection, naturally raises apprehensions not only in our minds, but in yours as well," Taher said regarding their concerns about law and order.

Despite expressing concerns, Jamaat said it still maintains trust in the Election Commission as it remains engaged in the election process.

At a central executive council meeting at the party's headquarters in Dhaka's Moghbazar later in the day, Jamaat leaders alleged that some government officials are working in favour of a particular party, echoing similar concerns.

Presided over by Jamaat Ameer Shafiqur Rahman, the meeting stressed that the sacrifices made during the 16-year struggle against fascism must not be undermined by conspiracy or partisan influence.

Party leaders urged the Election Commission, election officials, and law enforcement agencies to ensure hundred percent neutrality and demanded measures to improve law and order to ensure a free, fair election.